Due to the increased cost in processing fees (From $65.00 to $75.00), the hunter fee will increase from $10.00 to $20.00 as of the 2018 / 2019 season for deer weighing 50 lbs or more (dressed weight), and will increase from $30.00 to $40.00 for deer weighing less than 50 lbs.

During the early season (from Sept. 8 til Sept. 28), the hunter's fee will be waived, except for small deer (dressed weight under 50 lbs), where the hunter's fee will remain at $40.00.

The hunter's fee will also be waived from the day following the six-day firearm season until the end of Winter bow season (from Dec. 9, 2018 - Feb. 16, 2019), except for small deer (dressed weight under 50 lbs.), where the hunter's fee will remain at $40.00.

Venison has become a very valuable item at the food banks. Donations will still be accepted if hunters wish to help with the cost of processing, but will not be mandatory.

The series is being produced by CNN writers and photojournalists who are looking at the creative and traditional ways people are giving of their time, their resources and their love. The goal is to highlight acts of generosity that can be found not only at the holidays, but throughout the year. According to Les Giese, co-founder of Hunters Helping the Hungry, “This is a wonderful opportunity to spread the news about how our group provides thousands of pounds of high protein venison to feed New Jersey’s hungry families.” Since the Hunters Helping the Hungry program began in 1997, it has donated over 219,000 pounds of venison, providing approximately 876,000 servings to feed hungry people in the community.
Produced by CNN’s award winning team of photojournalists, the In Focus series explores the stories beyond the headlines, bringing to light the voices of those affected by the multifaceted issues covered by CNN. In Focus draws on the power of visual storytelling and natural sound packages to bring a new perspective to CNN’s coverage of the most important issues of the day. The series’ unique production style, in which one photojournalist writes, shoots, and edits their own local story, not only gives photojournalists an outlet to display their talent, it provides CNN with original, compelling, and cost-effective material that can be used across the network and many platforms to enhance their coverage of major news events.
Giving in Focus: 12 Days of Goodness will be hosted by Tom Foreman and airs at 1:00 p.m. on Christmas Day and 3:00 pm ET on December 26th on CNN.
Visit CNN’s website for the show at http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2009/giving.in.focus/index.html